Martyrs Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historical Significance
Martyrs Park is a small 0.6-acre special use park located in downtown Dallas, Texas. Established in 1963, it sits near the intersection of Commerce Street and Houston Street, close to Dealey Plaza.
The park was renamed from Dealey Annex to Martyrs Park in 1991 after a push by scholars and activists to recognize its historical significance.
Tragic Memorial
The park commemorates a tragic event from Dallas' past. In 1860, three enslaved Black men - Patrick Jennings, Samuel Smith, and Cato Miller - were lynched near this location after being falsely accused of starting fires as part of a supposed slave revolt.
The renaming of the park aims to memorialize these victims of racial violence.
Recent Additions
In March 2024, a new memorial called "Shadow Lines" was installed in Martyrs Park. Created by artists Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee, this steel sculpture is designed like a sundial and bears the names of victims of racially motivated violence in Dallas County between 1853 and 1920.
The memorial seeks to provide a space for reflection on this difficult history.
Accessibility Challenges
Despite its historical importance, Martyrs Park is relatively inaccessible. It is located in a triangular plot of land surrounded by highways and railroad tracks.
The park can only be reached via a steep sidewalk from Dealey Plaza, with no parking available on site. Its isolated location and lack of amenities have made it a lesser-known site in Dallas, even as efforts continue to bring attention to its significance in local history.
